Assistant Keeper Grade 2 Natural History

The post-holder will act as curator for zoology, and have day to day responsibility for the zoological collections in the museum. This includes the identification, classification and organisation of specimens. All stages in accession are the responsibility of the curator – from field collection, acquisition, purchase, data collection, numbering, registration, preparation of catalogues, and production of scientific and popular publications.

They will also be responsible for maintenance of exhibits at the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2, development of temporary exhibitions, delivery of aspects of public programmes in relation to education and learning, and provision of a zoological enquiries service for the general public and for researchers.

Duties and Responsibilities

The post-holder’s core duties will include:

• Overseeing the day to day care of zoological specimens;
• Facilitating access to the zoological collections;
• Compilation of catalogues of specimens in the zoological collections;
• Organising the storage of zoological specimens in improved conditions;
• Providing a zoological enquiries service to the general public, staff and researchers;
• Assisting in the development of the Natural History Museum as part of a team
• Assisting in the running of the Natural History Division as part of a team;
• Meeting the agreed targets as part of the annual business planning process;
• Such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Personal Specification

Essential Requirements
• hold an honours degree in zoology or a natural science degree in which zoology formed a significant proportion of the course;
• have attained at degree level a mark of upper second class honours signifying an ability to carry out research in some branch of zoology or natural science; or have otherwise demonstrated an aptitude for research through the attainment of a higher degree;
• possess good communication skills, including writing skills;
• possess good interpersonal skills;
• possess a knowledge of zoology, and the zoology of Ireland in particular;

Desirable
• understanding and experience of museum processes;
• experience of exhibition development;
• experience of zoological collections in a museum environment;
• experience of alcohol-preserved zoological collections;
• experience of entomological collections;
• good handwriting;
• postgraduate qualification in Museum Studies or similar subject

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please download documents including application form at www.museum.ie.

Applications should be typed and returned with a signed letter of application and a current up to date CV relevant to the position, expressing interest in the position of “Assistant Keeper Grade 2”.

Three copies (original application plus 2 copies) of the application form and CV should be submitted by post to:

Catherine Carney
Corporate Affairs Unit
National Museum of Ireland
Turlough Park
Castlebar
Co Mayo

Envelopes should be clearly marked “Assistant Keeper Grade 2"

Please provide a valid monitored email address on the application form. This will be used to acknowledge receipt of the application and as the main form of contact to liaise with applicants.